Fibronectin: structure, assembly, and cardiovascular implications

Differential deposition of fibronectin by asthmatic bronchial epithelial cells

Altered ECM protein deposition is a feature in asthmatic airways. Fibronectin (Fn), an ECM protein produced by human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs), is increased in asthmatic airways. This study investigated the regulation of Fn production in asthmatic or nonasthmatic HBECs and whether Fn modulated HBEC proliferation and inflammatory mediator secretion. The signaling pathways underlying transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-regulated Fn production were examined using specific inhibitors for ERK, JNK, p38 MAPK, phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase, and activin-like kinase 5 (ALK5). Asthmatic HBECs deposited higher levels of Fn in the ECM than nonasthmatic cells under basal conditions, whereas cells from the two groups had similar levels of Fn mRNA and soluble Fn. TGF-β1 increased mRNA levels and ECM and soluble forms of Fn but decreased cell proliferation in both cells. The rate of increase in Fn mRNA was higher in nonasthmatic cells. However, the excessive amounts of ECM Fn deposited by asthmatic cells after TGF-β1 stimulation persisted compared with nonasthmatic cells. Inhibition of ALK5 completely prevented TGF-β1-induced Fn deposition. Importantly, ECM Fn increased HBEC proliferation and IL-6 release, decreased PGE2 secretion, but had no effect on VEGF release. Soluble Fn had no effect on cell proliferation and inflammatory mediator release. Asthmatic HBECs are intrinsically primed to produce more ECM Fn, which when deposited into the ECM, is capable of driving remodeling and inflammation. The increased airway Fn may be one of the key driving factors in the persistence of asthma and represents a novel, therapeutic target.

Substrate-Dependent Activity of ERK and MEK Proteins in Breast Cancer (MCF7), and Kidney Embryonic (Hek-293) Cell Lines, Cultured on Different Substrates

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer has been one of the most common types of cancer, as the leading cause of women death in world. Breast cancer has known as a heterogenic disease that the clinical path in different patients would be very different. Since the current classification has not covered the diverse clinical course of breast cancer, lots of efforts has done to find new biological markers. Integrins are hetero dimmer proteins of α and β subunits on cell membrane. After binding to extra cellular matrix (ECM), integrins activate MAPK pathway that regulated different activities like survival, differentiation, migration, immunologic response. The interaction of integrins and ECM have a key role in cancer cell activities like survival and metastasis.

OBJECTIVES

In this study the expression of αvβ3 integrin, substrate -dependent morphology and ERK and p-ERK activation was compared in MCF7 and Hek-293 cells lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The expression of αvβ3 integrin was assayed by flow cytometry. These cell lines were cultured on pre-covered plates with fibronectin (FN), fibrinogen (Fg) or collagen (Col) and the expression of ERK and p-ERK proteins was assessed in attached and free cells for each substrate after 1 hour incubation. The morphology of the cells have examined under an inverted phase contrast microscope at 15 min, 1 hour, 3 hours, 5 hours and 1 day of incubatioon.

RESULTS

Different substrate induced the expression ERK or p-ERK differently in the two cell lines. In MCF7 cells, substrates induced the expression of ERK in all the attached cells but free cells in BSA, collagen and Fg showed a lower expression of ERK. In comparison with Hek-293 cells althought all the attached cells have expressed ERK peotein but only free cells in collagen plates showed the expression of ERK. None of the cell lines has shown any expression of ERK and p-ERK in attached or free cells except for the Hek-293 free cells in collagen platees that have shown a weak signal for p-ERK.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall the breast cancer cell lines MCF7 and Hek-293 cells have differently responded on similar substrates regarding morpology or ERK and MEK expressions.

Nanometer-sized extracellular matrix coating on polymer-based scaffold for tissue engineering applications

Surface modification can play a crucial role in enhancing cell adhesion to synthetic polymer-based scaffolds in tissue engineering applications. Here, we report a novel approach for layer-by-layer (LbL) fabrication of nanometer-size fibronectin and gelatin (FN-G) layers on electrospun fibrous poly(carbonate urethane)urea (PCUU) scaffolds. Alternate immersions into the solutions of fibronectin and gelatin provided thickness-controlled FN-G nano-layers (PCUU(FN-G) ) which maintained the scaffold's 3D structure and width of fibrous bundle of PCUU as evidenced by scanning electron miscroscopy. The PCUU(FN-G) scaffold improved cell adhesion and proliferation of bladder smooth muscles (BSMCs) when compared to uncoated PCUU. The high affinity of PCUU(FN-G) for cells was further demonstrated by migration of adherent BSMCs from culture plates to the scaffold. Moreover, the culture of UROtsa cells, human urothelium-derived cell line, on PCUU(FN-G) resulted in an 11-15 μm thick multilayered cell structure with cell-to-cell contacts although many UROtsa cells died without forming cell connections on PCUU. Together these results indicate that this approach will aid in advancing the technology for engineering bladder tissues in vitro. Because FN-G nano-layers formation is based on nonspecific physical adsorption of fibronectin onto polymer and its subsequent interactions with gelatin, this technique may be applicable to other polymer-based scaffold systems for various tissue engineering/regenerative medicine applications.

Regulatory function of β1,4-galactosyltransferase I expression on Lewis-Y glycan and embryo implantation

β1,4-Galactosyltransferase I (β1,4-GalT-I), a key enzyme in glycobiology, mediates several biological mechanisms. However, the correlation between β-1,4-GalT-I expression in the uterine endometrium and embryo implantation remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between β1,4-GalT-I and Lewis(Y) (Le(Y)) glycan during embryo implantation. So far, using green fluorescent protein as an indicator, β1,4-GalT-I interference plasmid (pcDNA3.0-siGalT I), overexpression plasmid (pcDNA3.0-HA-GalT I), interference control plasmid (control pcDNA3.0-siGalT I), and empty vector (pcDNA3.0) were transfected into human uterine epithelial RL95-2 cells that imitate the receptive endometrium. Invasive embryos at pre-implantation and treated RL95-2 cells were co-cultured to determine embryo attachment in each of the transfection groups. The results showed that plasmid transfection was successful in all the groups. β1,4-GalT-I and Fucosyltransferase 1 (FUT1) gene expression declined in the interference group, and the synthesis of Le(Y) decreased accordingly, but the expression of this antigen increased in the overexpression group. After co-culturing of the embryos and 36h transfection of RL95-2, the results of these in vitro implantation models showed that the attachment rate was lower in the interference group (30.0 ± 0.2%) than in the untreated group (50.0 ± 0.6%), empty vector group (50.0 ± 0.2%), and interference control group (46.7 ± 0.6%), however, it was highest in the overexpression group (70.0 ± 0.2%). These results indicated that β1,4-galactosyltransferase I possibly regulate mutual uterus-embryo adhesion and embryo implantation by regulating cell surface Le(Y) glycan expression.

Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum TP0136 protein is heterogeneous among isolates and binds cellular and plasma fibronectin via its NH2-terminal end

Adherence-mediated colonization plays an important role in pathogenesis of microbial infections, particularly those caused by extracellular pathogens responsible for systemic diseases, such as Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum (T. pallidum), the agent of syphilis. Among T. pallidum adhesins, TP0136 is known to bind fibronectin (Fn), an important constituent of the host extracellular matrix. To deepen our understanding of the TP0136-Fn interaction dynamics, we used two naturally-occurring sequence variants of the TP0136 protein to investigate which region of the protein is responsible for Fn binding, and whether TP0136 would adhere to human cellular Fn in addition to plasma Fn and super Fn as previously reported. Fn binding assays were performed with recombinant proteins representing the two full-length TP0136 variants and their discrete regions. As a complementary approach, we tested inhibition of T. pallidum binding to Fn by recombinant full-length TP0136 proteins and fragments, as well as by anti-TP0136 immune sera. Our results show that TP0136 adheres more efficiently to cellular Fn than to plasma Fn, that the TP0136 NH2-terminal conserved region of the protein is primarily responsible for binding to plasma Fn but that binding sites for cellular Fn are also present in the protein’s central and COOH-terminal regions. Additionally, message quantification studies show that tp0136 is highly transcribed during experimental infection, and that its message level increases in parallel to the host immune pressure on the pathogen, which suggests a possible role for this protein in T. pallidum persistence. In a time where syphilis incidence is high, our data will help in the quest to identify suitable targets for development of a much needed vaccine against this important disease.

The study of Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum (T. pallidum) proteins that mediate adhesion to host tissue components is pivotal to understand how the syphilis agent establishes infection and is able to invade virtually every organ system following dissemination from the site of entry. This study focuses on T. pallidum TP0136, a known plasma fibronectin (Fn) and super Fn binding protein that is heterogeneous in sequence among T. pallidum isolates. This study shows that TP0136 also mediates attachment to human cellular Fn, that TP0136 conserved NH₂-terminus is primarily responsible for binding to plasma Fn, but that cellular Fn binding sites appears to be scattered throughout the molecule. Message quantification experiments reveal that tp0136 transcription is high during experimental syphilis and increases at the time of bacterial immune clearance, suggesting a role for this antigen in counteracting the host defenses during infection, as reported for other Fn binding proteins in other pathogens. Our data deepen the current knowledge of the function of T. pallidum TP0136 and further support a role for this virulence factor in syphilis pathogenesis.

Identification of soluble supramolecular FN-fibrin complexes in human plasma

SDS-agarose FN immunoblotting of 257 normal and pathological human plasma samples revealed the ladder pattern of multiple plasma FN bands which corresponded to FN monomer and dimer, and 5 FN-fibrin bands with increasing molecular masses. The FN-fibrin bands of about 750 kDa, 1000 kDa, 1300 kDa, 1600 kDa, and 1900 kDa appeared more frequently and in significantly higher relative amounts in the pathological samples (P < 0.000) than in relatively healthy individuals. The revealing of high-molecular FN-fibrin complexes by SDS-agarose FN immunobloting might have the potential to become a laboratory biomarker of some diseases in which the coagulation system is triggered.

Serotonin (5-HT) inhibits Factor XIII-A-mediated plasma fibronectin matrix assembly and crosslinking in osteoblast cultures via direct competition with transamidation

Serotonin (5-HT)--a monoamine with a variety of physiological functions--has recently emerged as a major regulator of bone mass. 5-HT is synthesized in the brain and the gut, and gut-derived 5-HT contributes to circulating 5-HT levels and is a negative modulator of bone mass and quality. 5-HT's negative effects on the skeleton are considered to be mediated via its receptors and transporter in osteoblasts and osteoclasts; however, 5-HT can also incorporate covalently into proteins via a transglutaminase-mediated serotonylation reaction, which in turn can alter protein function. Plasma fibronectin (pFN)--a major component of the bone extracellular matrix that regulates bone matrix quality in vivo--is a major transglutaminase substrate in bone and in osteoblast cultures. We have recently demonstrated that pFN assembly into osteoblast culture matrix requires a Factor XIII-A (FXIII-A) transglutaminase-mediated crosslinking step that regulates both quantity and quality of type I collagen matrix in vitro. In this study, we show that 5-HT interferes with pFN assembly into the extracellular matrix in osteoblast cultures, which in turn has major consequences on matrix assembly and mineralization. 5-HT treatment of MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cultures dramatically decreased both pFN fibrillogenesis as analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy and pFN levels in DOC-soluble and DOC-insoluble matrix fractions. This was accompanied by an increase in pFN levels in the culture media. Analysis of the media showed covalent incorporation of 5-HT into pFN. Minor co-localization of pFN with 5-HT was also seen in extracellular fibrils. 5-HT also showed co-localization with FXIII-A on the cell surface and inhibited its transamidation activity directly. 5-HT treatment of osteoblast cultures resulted in a discontinuous pFN matrix and impaired type I collagen deposition, decreased alkaline phosphatase and lysyl oxidase activity, and delayed mineralization of the cultures. Addition of excess exogenous pFN to cultures treated with 5-HT resulted in a significant rescue of pFN fibrillogenesis as well as type I collagen deposition and mineralization. In summary, our study presents a novel mechanism on how increased peripheral extracellular 5-HT levels might contribute to the weakening of bone by directly affecting the stabilization of extracellular matrix networks.

Reactive oxygen species induce MMP12-dependent degradation of collagen 5 and fibronectin to promote the motility of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are potent regulators of stem cell behaviour; however, their physiological significance as regards MMP-mediated regulation of the motility of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCB-MSCs) has not been characterized. In the present study, we investigated the role of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 ) and associated signalling pathways in promoting UCB-MSCs motility.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The regulatory effects of H2O2 on the activation of PKC, MAPKs, NF-κB and β-catenin were determined. The expressions of MMP and extracellular matrix proteins were examined. Pharmacological inhibitors and gene-specific siRNA were used to identify the signalling pathways of H2O2 that affect UCB-MSCs motility. An experimental skin wound-healing model was used to confirm the functional role of UCB-MSCs treated with H2O2 in ICR mice.

KEY RESULTS

H2O2 increased the motility of UCB-MSCs by activating PKCα via a calcium influx mechanism. H2O2 activated ERK and p38 MAPK, which are responsible for the distinct activation of transcription factors NF-κB and β-catenin. UCB-MSCs expressed eight MMP genes, but only MMP12 expression was uniquely regulated by NF-κB and β-catenin activation. H2O2 increased the MMP12-dependent degradation of collagen 5 (COL-5) and fibronectin (FN) associated with UCB-MSCs motility. Finally, topical transplantation of UCB-MSCs treated with H2O2 enhanced skin wound healing in mice.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

H2O2 stimulated UCB-MSCs motility by increasing MMP12-dependent degradation of COL-5 and FN through the activation of NF-κB and glycogen synthase kinase-3β/β-catenin, which is critical for providing a suitable microenvironment for MSCs transplantation and re-epithelialization of skin wounds in mice.

A primer on wound healing in colorectal surgery in the age of bioprosthetic materials

Wound healing is a complex, dynamic process that is vital for closure of cutaneous injuries, restoration of abdominal wall integrity after laparotomy closure, and to prevent anastomotic dehiscence after bowel surgery. Derangements in healing have been described in multiple processes including diabetes mellitus, corticosteroid use, irradiation for malignancy, and inflammatory bowel disease. A thorough understanding of the process of healing is necessary for clinical decision making and knowledge of the current state of the science may lead future researchers in developing methods to enable our ability to modulate healing, ultimately improving outcomes. An exciting example of this ability is the use of bioprosthetic materials used for abdominal wall surgery (hernia repair/reconstruction). These bioprosthetic meshes are able to regenerate and remodel from an allograft or xenograft collagen matrix into site-specific tissue; ultimately being degraded and minimizing the risk of long-term complications seen with synthetic materials. The purpose of this article is to review healing as it relates to cutaneous and intestinal trauma and surgery, factors that impact wound healing, and wound healing as it pertains to bioprosthetic materials.

The NTR domain of procollagen C-proteinase enhancer-1 (PCPE-1) mediates PCPE-1 binding to syndecans-1, -2 and -4 as well as fibronectin

Procollagen C-proteinase enhancer 1 (PCPE-1) is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein that can stimulate procollagen processing by procollagen C-proteinases (PCPs) such as bone morphogenetic protein-1 (BMP-1). PCPE-1 consists of two CUB domains that bind to the procollagen C-propeptide and are responsible for enhancing activity and a netrin-like (NTR) domain that binds to BMP-1 as well as heparin and heparan sulfate. The NTR domain also mediates binding of PCPE-1 to cells, an interaction inhibited by heparin, thus suggesting involvement of cell membrane heparan-sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). Using pull-down experiments and an ELISA type binding assay we show here that PCPE-1 binds to three cell membrane HSPGs, syndecans-1, -2 and -4. We also demonstrate that this binding is mediated by the NTR domain and depends on the glycosaminoglycan chains of the syndecans. Using co-immunoprecipitation and an ELISA type binding assay we show that PCPE-1 can also bind fibronectin (an established binding partner of BMP-1), another interaction involving the NTR domain. Consistently, fibronectin inhibits cell attachment to PCPE-1 although it does not affect PCPE-1 enhancing activity. PCPE-1 is not an adhesive protein since cell attachment to PCPE-1 is not associated with cell spreading and/or actin filaments formation. The results suggest that PCPE-1 binding to syndecans and/or fibronectin may control collagen fibril assembly on the cell surface. Further characterization of these interactions may pave the way for future design of new means to modulate collagen deposition in pathological conditions such as fibrosis.

Actin filament dynamics and endothelial cell junctions: the Ying and Yang between stabilization and motion

The vascular endothelium is a cellular interface between the blood and the interstitial space of tissue, which controls the exchange of fluid, solutes and cells by both transcellular and paracellular means. To accomplish the demands on barrier function, the regulation of the endothelium requires quick and adaptive mechanisms. This is, among others, accomplished by actin dynamics that interdependently interact with both the VE-cadherin/catenin complex, the main components of the adherens type junctions in endothelium and the membrane cytoskeleton. Actin filaments in endothelium are components of super-structured protein assemblies that control a variety of dynamic processes such as endo- and exocytosis, shape change, cell-substrate along with cell-cell adhesion and cell motion. In endothelium, actin filaments are components of: (1) contractile actin bundles appearing as stress fibers and junction-associated circumferential actin filaments, (2) actin networks accompanied by endocytotic ruffles, lamellipodia at leading edges of migrating cells and junction-associated intermittent lamellipodia (JAIL) that dynamically maintain junction integrity, (3) cortical actin and (4) the membrane cytoskeleton. All these structures, most probably interact with cell junctions and cell-substrate adhesion sites. Due to the rapid growth in information, we aim to provide a bird's eye view focusing on actin filaments in endothelium and its functional relevance for entire cell and junction integrity, rather than discussing the detailed molecular mechanism for control of actin dynamics.

Transglutaminase activity arising from Factor XIIIA is required for stabilization and conversion of plasma fibronectin into matrix in osteoblast cultures

Circulating plasma fibronectin (pFN), produced by hepatocytes, is a major component of the noncollagenous bone matrix where it was recently shown in vivo in mice to control the biomechanical quality as well as the mineral-to-matrix ratio in bone. FN fibrillogenesis is a process generally requiring FN binding to cellular integrins, and cellular tension to elongate and assemble the molecule. Whether soluble pFN undergoes cell-mediated assembly in bone is not fully established. FN is a well-known substrate for transglutaminases (TGs), which are protein-crosslinking enzymes capable of stabilizing macromolecular structures. The role of this modification regarding the function of FN in bone matrix has remained unknown. Osteoblasts express two TGs-transglutaminase 2 and Factor XIIIA-and we have shown that Factor XIIIA is the main TG active during osteoblast differentiation. In the present study, conducted using MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cultures and bone marrow stromal cells, we demonstrate that pFN requires a TG-mediated crosslinking step to form osteoblast matrix in vitro. This modification step is specific for pFN; cellular FN (EDA-FN) does not serve as a TG substrate. Inhibition of pFN assembly using a TG inhibitor, or depletion of pFN from cell culture serum, dramatically decreased total FN matrix assembly in the osteoblast cultures and affected both the quantity and quality of the type I collagen matrix, and decreased lysyl oxidase and alkaline phosphatase levels, resulting in decreased mineralization. Experiments with isozyme-specific substrate peptides showed that FXIIIA is responsible for the crosslinking of pFN. Addition of exogenous preactivated FXIIIA to osteoblast cultures promoted pFN assembly from the media into matrix. Exogenous TG2 had no effect. Analysis of pFN and EDA-FN fibrils by immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated that they form distinct matrix network, albeit with minor overlap, suggesting different functions for the two FN forms. Further analysis using EDA-FN blocking antibody showed that it regulated preosteoblast proliferation whereas pFN depletion from the serum had no effect on this process. In conclusion, our study shows that pFN assembly into bone matrix in vitro requires FXIIIA transglutaminase activity making pFN assembly an active, osteoblast-mediated process.

Endothelial cells recruit macrophages and contribute to a fibrotic milieu in bleomycin lung injury

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, vasculopathy, and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. One of the most severe complications of SSc involves the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Endothelial cell injury precedes the development of fibrosis, and is believed to be an initiating event. Therefore, we aimed to characterize the role of endothelial cells in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis, using a well-established bleomycin (BLM) model of pulmonary fibrosis. Endothelial cells were isolated by cell sorting, and the analysis of gene expression was performed with quantitative RT-PCR. Endothelial injury was induced between the first and second week, as shown by the elevated expression of the vascular injury markers matrix metallopeptidase-12 and von Willebrand factor. After injury, endothelial activation was indicated by the up-regulation of selectins, CCL chemokines, and inflammatory mediators, including complement anaphylatoxin receptors (C3aR and C5aR), oncostatin M, and leukemia inhibitory factor. The endothelial cell overexpression of fibrotic mediators, including connective tissue growth factor, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, osteopontin, fibronectin, and fibroblast specific protein-1, was observed in the second and fourth weeks. This study suggests that endothelial cells actively contribute to the disease process via multiple mechanisms, including the recruitment of inflammatory cells and the establishment of a profibrotic environment during the development of BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Fibronectin is deposited by injury-activated epicardial cells and is necessary for zebrafish heart regeneration

Unlike adult mammals, adult zebrafish vigorously regenerate lost heart muscle in response to injury. The epicardium, a mesothelial cell layer enveloping the myocardium, is activated to proliferate after cardiac injury and can contribute vascular support cells or provide mitogens to regenerating muscle. Here, we applied proteomics to identify secreted proteins that are associated with heart regeneration. We found that Fibronectin, a main component of the extracellular matrix, is induced and deposited after cardiac damage. In situ hybridization and transgenic reporter analyses indicated that expression of two fibronectin paralogues, fn1 and fn1b, are induced by injury in epicardial cells, while the itgb3 receptor is induced in cardiomyocytes near the injury site. fn1, the more dynamic of these paralogs, is induced chamber-wide within one day of injury before localizing epicardial Fn1 synthesis to the injury site. fn1 loss-of-function mutations disrupted zebrafish heart regeneration, as did induced expression of a dominant-negative Fibronectin cassette, defects that were not attributable to direct inhibition of cardiomyocyte proliferation. These findings reveal a new role for the epicardium in establishing an extracellular environment that supports heart regeneration.

Fibronectin matrix mimetics promote full-thickness wound repair in diabetic mice

During tissue repair, fibronectin is converted from a soluble, inactive form into biologically active extracellular matrix (ECM) fibrils through a cell-dependent process. ECM fibronectin promotes numerous cell processes that are critical to tissue repair and regulates the assembly of other proteins into the matrix. Nonhealing wounds show reduced levels of ECM fibronectin. To functionally mimic ECM fibronectin, a series of fibronectin matrix mimetics was developed by directly coupling the matricryptic, heparin-binding fragment of the first type III repeat of fibronectin (FNIII1H) to various sequences from the integrin-binding domain (FNIII8-10). The recombinant proteins were produced as glutathione-S-transferase (GST)-tagged fusion proteins for ease of production and purification. Full-thickness, excisional wounds were produced in genetically diabetic mice, and fibronectin matrix mimetics were applied directly to the wounds. A significant enhancement of wound closure was observed by day 9 in response to GST/III1H,8-10 versus GST-treated controls (73.9%±4.1% vs. 58.1%±4.7% closure, respectively). Two weeks after injury, fibronectin matrix mimetic-treated wounds had developed a multi-layered epithelium that completely covered the wound space. Furthermore, significant increases in granulation tissue thickness were observed in response to treatment with GST/III1H,8-10 (4.05±0.93-fold), GST/III1H,8,10 (2.91±0.49-fold), or GST/III1H,8(RGD) (3.55±0.59-fold) compared with GST controls, and was accompanied by dense collagen deposition, the presence of myofibroblasts, and functional vasculature. Thus, the recombinant fibronectin matrix analogs normalized the impairment in repair observed in this chronic wound model and may provide a new approach to accelerate the healing of diabetic wounds.

Biomaterials for spinal cord repair

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in permanent loss of function leading to often devastating personal, economic and social problems. A contributing factor to the permanence of SCI is that damaged axons do not regenerate, which prevents the re-establishment of axonal circuits involved in function. Many groups are working to develop treatments that address the lack of axon regeneration after SCI. The emergence of biomaterials for regeneration and increased collaboration between engineers, basic and translational scientists, and clinicians hold promise for the development of effective therapies for SCI. A plethora of biomaterials is available and has been tested in various models of SCI. Considering the clinical relevance of contusion injuries, we primarily focus on polymers that meet the specific criteria for addressing this type of injury. Biomaterials may provide structural support and/or serve as a delivery vehicle for factors to arrest growth inhibition and promote axonal growth. Designing materials to address the specific needs of the damaged central nervous system is crucial and possible with current technology. Here, we review the most prominent materials, their optimal characteristics, and their potential roles in repairing and regenerating damaged axons following SCi.

Hydrogel scaffolds to study cell biology in four dimensions

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels represent a versatile material scaffold for culturing cells in two or three dimensions with the advantages of limited protein fouling and cytocompatible polymerization to enable cell encapsulation. By using light-based chemistries for gelation and for incorporating biomolecules into the network, dynamic niches can be created that facilitate the study of how cells respond to user-dictated or cell-dictated changes in environmental signals. Specifically, we demonstrate integration of a photo-cleavable molecule into network cross-links and into pendant functional groups to construct gels with biophysical and biochemical properties that are spatiotemporally tunable with light. Complementary to this approach, an enzymatically cleavable peptide sequence can be introduced within hydrogel networks, in this case through photoinitiated addition reactions between thiol-containing biomacromolecules and ene-containing synthetic polymers, to enable cellular remodeling of their surrounding hydrogel microenvironment. With such tunable material platforms, researchers can employ a systematic approach for 3D cell culture experiments, spatially and temporally modulating physical properties (e.g., stiffness) as well as biological signals (e.g., adhesive ligands) to study cell behavior in response to environmental stimuli. Collectively, these material systems suggest routes for new experimentation to study and manipulate cellular functions in four dimensions.

Recombinant fibronectin matrix mimetics specify integrin adhesion and extracellular matrix assembly

Tissue engineering seeks to create functional tissues and organs by integrating natural or synthetic scaffolds with bioactive factors and cells. Creating biologically active scaffolds that support key aspects of tissue regeneration, including the re-establishment of a functional extracellular matrix (ECM), is a challenge currently facing this field. During tissue repair, fibronectin is converted from an inactive soluble form into biologically active ECM fibrils through a cell-dependent process. ECM fibronectin promotes cell processes critical to tissue regeneration and regulates the deposition and organization of other ECM proteins. We previously developed biomimetics of ECM fibronectin by directly coupling the heparin-binding fragment of the first type III repeat of fibronectin (FNIII1H) to the integrin-binding repeats (FNIII8-10). As adhesive substrates, fibronectin matrix mimetics promote cell growth, migration, and contractility through a FNIII1H-dependent mechanism. Here, we analyzed fibronectin matrix mimetic variants designed to include all or part of the integrin-binding domain for their ability to support new ECM assembly. We found that specific modifications of the integrin-binding domain produced adhesive substrates that selectively engage different integrin receptors to, in turn, regulate the amount of fibronectin and collagen deposited into the ECM. The ability of fibronectin matrix mimetics to direct cell-substrate interactions and regulate ECM assembly makes them promising candidates for use as bioactive surfaces, where precise control over integrin-binding specificity and ECM deposition are required.

The biological effects of fibrin-binding synthetic oligopeptides derived from fibronectin on osteoblast-like cells

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of synthetic fibronectin (FN) fragments, including fibrin binding sites from amino-terminal FN fragments containing type I repeats 1 to 5, on osteoblast-like cell activity.

Methods

Oligopeptides ranging from 9 to 20 amino acids, designated FF1, FF3, and FF5, were synthesized by a solid-phase peptide synthesizing system, and we investigated the effects of these peptides on cell attachment and extent of mineralization using confocal microscopy, 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays, and Alizarin red S staining.

Results

FF3 and FF5 peptides increased the number of attached human osteoblastic cells, and FF3 administration led to prominent cell spreading. Mineralization was increased in FF3 and FF5 compared to FF1 and the untreated control.

Conclusions

Taken together, it can be concluded that the fibrin-binding oligopeptides FF3 and FF5 enhanced cell attachment and mineralization on osteoblast-like cells. These results indicate that FF3 and FF5 have the potential to increase osteoblast-like cell activity. Performing an in vivo study may provide further possibilities for surface modification of biomimetic peptides to enhance osteogenesis, thus improving the regeneration of destroyed alveolar bone.

Quantitative microtiter fibronectin fibrillogenesis assay: use in high throughput screening for identification of inhibitor compounds

Fibronectin (FN) is a plasma glycoprotein that circulates in the near micromolar concentration range and is deposited along with locally produced FN in the extracellular matrices of many tissues. The control of FN deposition is tightly controlled by cells. Agents that modulate FN assembly may be useful therapeutically in conditions characterized by excessive FN deposition, such as fibrosis, inflammatory diseases, and malignancies. To identify such agents by high throughput screening (HTS), we developed a microtiter assay of FN deposition by human fibroblasts. The assay provides a robust read-out of FN assembly. Alexa 488-FN (A488-FN) was added to cell monolayers, and the total fluorescence intensity of deposited A488-FN was quantified. The fluorescence intensity of deposited A488-FN correlated with the presence of FN fibrils visualized by fluorescence microscopy. The assay Z' values were 0.67 or 0.54, respectively, when using background values of fluorescence either with no added A488-FN or with A488-FN added together with a known inhibitor of FN deposition. The assay was used to screen libraries comprising 4160 known bioactive compounds. Nine compounds were identified as non- or low-cytotoxic inhibitors of FN assembly. Four (ML-9, HA-100, tyrphostin and imatinib mesylate) are kinase inhibitors, a category of compounds known to inhibit FN assembly; two (piperlongumine and cantharidin) are promoters of cancer cell apoptosis; and three (maprotiline, CGS12066B, and aposcopolamine) are modulators of biogenic amine signaling. The latter six compounds have not been recognized heretofore as affecting FN assembly. The assay is straight-forward, adapts to 96- and 384-well formats, and should be useful for routine measurement of FN deposition and HTS. Screening of more diverse chemical libraries and identification of specific and efficient modulators of FN fibrillogenesis may result in therapeutics to control excessive connective tissue deposition.

Intestinal decontamination inhibits TLR4 dependent fibronectin-mediated cross-talk between stellate cells and endothelial cells in liver fibrosis in mice

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Liver fibrosis is associated with angiogenesis and leads to portal hypertension. Certain antibiotics reduce complications of liver failure in humans, however, the effects of antibiotics on the pathologic alterations of the disease are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to test whether the non-absorbable antibiotic rifaximin could attenuate fibrosis progression and portal hypertension in vivo, and explore potential mechanisms in vitro.

METHODS

The effect of rifaximin on portal pressure, fibrosis, and angiogenesis was examined in wild type and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mutant mice after bile duct ligation (BDL). In vitro studies were carried out to evaluate the effect of the bacterial product and TLR agonist lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on paracrine interactions between hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and liver endothelial cells (LEC) that lead to fibrosis and portal hypertension.

RESULTS

Portal pressure, fibrosis, and angiogenesis were significantly lower in BDL mice receiving rifaximin compared to BDL mice receiving vehicle. Studies in TLR4 mutant mice confirmed that the effect of rifaximin was dependent on LPS/TLR4 pathway. Fibronectin (FN) was increased in the BDL liver and was reduced by rifaximin administration and thus, was explored further in vitro as a potential mediator of paracrine interactions of HSC and LEC. In vitro, LPS promoted FN production from HSC. Furthermore, HSC-derived FN promoted LEC migration and angiogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies expand our understanding of the relationship of intestinal microbiota with fibrosis development by identifying FN as a TLR4 dependent mediator of the matrix and vascular changes that characterize cirrhosis.

Matrikines and the lungs

The extracellular matrix is a complex network of fibrous and nonfibrous molecules that not only provide structure to the lung but also interact with and regulate the behaviour of the cells which it surrounds. Recently it has been recognised that components of the extracellular matrix proteins are released, often through the action of endogenous proteases, and these fragments are termed matrikines. Matrikines have biological activities, independent of their role within the extracellular matrix structure, which may play important roles in the lung in health and disease pathology. Integrins are the primary cell surface receptors, characterised to date, which are used by the matrikines to exert their effects on cells. However, evidence is emerging for the need for co-factors and other receptors for the matrikines to exert their effects on cells. The potential for matrikines, and peptides derived from these extracellular matrix protein fragments, as therapeutic agents has recently been recognised. The natural role of these matrikines (including inhibitors of angiogenesis and possibly inflammation) make them ideal targets to mimic as therapies. A number of these peptides have been taken forward into clinical trials. The focus of this review will be to summarise our current understanding of the role, and potential for highly relevant actions, of matrikines in lung health and disease.

MT1-MMP regulates the turnover and endocytosis of extracellular matrix fibronectin

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is dynamically remodeled by cells during development, normal tissue homeostasis and in a variety of disease processes. We previously showed that fibronectin is an important regulator of ECM remodeling. The deposition and/or polymerization of fibronectin into the ECM controls the deposition and stability of other ECM molecules. In addition, agents that inhibit fibronectin polymerization promote the turnover of fibronectin fibrils and enhance ECM fibronectin endocytosis and intracellular degradation. Endocytosis of ECM fibronectin is regulated by β1 integrins, including α5β1 integrin. We have examined the role of extracellular proteases in regulating ECM fibronectin turnover. Our data show that membrane type matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MT1-MMP; also known as MMP14) is a crucial regulator of fibronectin turnover. Cells lacking MT1-MMP show reduced turnover and endocytosis of ECM fibronectin. MT1-MMP regulates ECM fibronectin remodeling by promoting extracellular cleavage of fibronectin and by regulating α5β1-integrin endocytosis. Our data also show that fibronectin polymerization stabilizes fibronectin fibrils and inhibits ECM fibronectin endocytosis by inhibiting α5β1-integrin endocytosis. These data are the first to show that an ECM protein and its modifying enzyme can regulate integrin endocytosis. These data also show that integrin trafficking plays a major role in modulating ECM fibronectin remodeling. The dual dependence of ECM fibronectin turnover on extracellular proteolysis and endocytosis highlights the complex regulatory mechanisms that control ECM remodeling to ensure maintenance of proper tissue function.

Structural and functional analysis of the tandem β-zipper interaction of a Streptococcal protein with human fibronectin

Bacterial fibronectin-binding proteins (FnBPs) contain a large intrinsically disordered region (IDR) that mediates adhesion of bacteria to host tissues, and invasion of host cells, through binding to fibronectin (Fn). These FnBP IDRs consist of Fn-binding repeats (FnBRs) that form a highly extended tandem β-zipper interaction on binding to the N-terminal domain of Fn. Several FnBR residues are highly conserved across bacterial species, and here we investigate their contribution to the interaction. Mutation of these residues to alanine in SfbI-5 (a disordered FnBR from the human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes) reduced binding, but for each residue the change in free energy of binding was <2 kcal/mol. The structure of an SfbI-5 peptide in complex with the second and third F1 modules from Fn confirms that the conserved FnBR residues play equivalent functional roles across bacterial species. Thus, in SfbI-5, the binding energy for the tandem β-zipper interaction with Fn is distributed across the interface rather than concentrated in a small number of "hot spot" residues that are frequently observed in the interactions of folded proteins. We propose that this might be a common feature of the interactions of IDRs and is likely to pose a challenge for the development of small molecule inhibitors of FnBP-mediated adhesion to and invasion of host cells.

Plasma and cellular fibronectin: distinct and independent functions during tissue repair

Fibronectin (FN) is a ubiquitous extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein that plays vital roles during tissue repair. The plasma form of FN circulates in the blood, and upon tissue injury, is incorporated into fibrin clots to exert effects on platelet function and to mediate hemostasis. Cellular FN is then synthesized and assembled by cells as they migrate into the clot to reconstitute damaged tissue. The assembly of FN into a complex three-dimensional matrix during physiological repair plays a key role not only as a structural scaffold, but also as a regulator of cell function during this stage of tissue repair. FN fibrillogenesis is a complex, stepwise process that is strictly regulated by a multitude of factors. During fibrosis, there is excessive deposition of ECM, of which FN is one of the major components. Aberrant FN-matrix assembly is a major contributing factor to the switch from normal tissue repair to misregulated fibrosis. Understanding the mechanisms involved in FN assembly and how these interplay with cellular, fibrotic and immune responses may reveal targets for the future development of therapies to regulate aberrant tissue-repair processes.

Reactivity of the N-terminal region of fibronectin protein to transglutaminase 2 and factor XIIIA

Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is secreted by a non-classical pathway into the extracellular space, where it has several activities pertinent to fibronectin (FN), including binding to the gelatin-binding domain of FN and acting as an integrin co-receptor. Glutamines in the N-terminal tail of FN are known to be susceptible to transamidation by both TG2 and activated blood coagulation factor XIII (FXIIIa). We used immunoblotting, limited proteolysis, and mass spectrometry to localize glutamines within FN that are subject to TG2-catalyzed incorporation of dansylcadaverine in comparison to residues modified by FXIIIa. Such analysis of plasma FN indicated that Gln-3, Gln-7, and Gln-9 in the N-terminal tail and Gln-246 of the linker between fifth and sixth type I modules ((5)F1 and (6)F1) are transamidated by both enzymes. Only minor incorporation of dansylcadaverine was detected elsewhere. Labeling of C-terminally truncated FN constructs revealed efficient TG2- or FXIIIa-catalyzed dansylcadaverine incorporation into the N-terminal residues of constructs as small as the 29-kDa fragment that includes (1-5)F1 and lacks modules from the adjacent gelatin-binding domain. However, when only (1-3)F1 were present, dansylcadaverine incorporation into the N-terminal residues of FN was lost and instead was in the enzymes, near the active site of TG2 and terminal domains of FXIIIa. Thus, these results demonstrate that FXIIIa and TG2 act similarly on glutamines at either end of (1-5)F1 and transamidation specificity of both enzymes is achieved through interactions with the intact 29K fragment.

Three-Dimensional Invasion of Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition–Positive Human Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells into Collagen Gel is Promoted by the Concentration Gradient of Fibronectin

Background

In long-term peritoneal dialysis, myofibroblast-like cells found in the interstitium of the peritoneum are assumed to be a transformed type of mesothelial cell—epithelial-mesenchymal transition-positive [EMT(+)] human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs)—because they express a mesothelial marker, cytokeratin. However, no direct evidence about how these cells are able to invade from the mesothelium has yet been obtained.

Aim

In this study, we aimed to verify whether EMT(+) HPMCs would, in vitro, invade three-dimensionally along certain chemotactic factors.

Methods

We used reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction to measure expression of Snail, E-cadherin, α5-integrin, and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) messenger RNA (mRNA) in HPMCs exposed to 10 ng/mL transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) and how that expression corresponds to cell motility, as represented by a video movie. We used the Transwell (12 μm pore diameter: Sigma-Aldrich, Tokyo, Japan) to construct a three-dimensional (3D) cell migration chamber. In the lower chamber, a concentration gradient of fibronectin (FN) or albumin(Alb) was formed in 0.1% type I collagen by diffusion ( C0 = 22 nmol/L; concentration gradient: C / C0 = 0.7). All cells beneath the membrane were counted 72 hours after 5x104 EMT(+) HPMCs (HPMCs after a 48-hour exposure to 10 ng/mL TGFβ1) had been spread in the upper chamber.

Results

After 72 hours, the increased motility of HPMCs resulting from their exposure to 10 ng/mL TGFβ1 had returned to baseline, but they retained an elongated morphology. Expression of Snail and MMP2 mRNA reached maximum at 24 hours. Expression of E-cadherin declined, and expression of α5-integrin increased continuously. In the 3D invasion study, significantly enhanced invasion by EMT(+) but not EMT(-) HPMCs was clearly seen in the presence of a FN concentration gradient ( p < 0.01), although invasion by EMT(+) and EMT(-) HPMCs in the absence of a FN concentration gradient was not statistically significantly different. Compared with the EMT(+) control (no concentration gradient), invasion by EMT(+) HPMCs was 2.1 ± 0.5 times (p < 0.05) and 1.4 ± 0.4 times (p = nonsignificant) higher along the FN and Alb concentration gradients respectively. Increased invasion along the FN concentration gradient was significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) when the HPMCs were pre-incubated with 5 μg/mL RGDS (a blocker for α5-integrin to FN).

Conclusions

We conclude that EMT(+) HPMCs invade collagen gel along the FN concentration gradient because of specific binding to RGDS receptors, which bind integrins such as α5-integrin, upregulating invasion-related gene expression associated with synthesis of the cytoskeleton protein α smooth muscle actin.

Identification of novel and distinct binding sites within tenascin-C for soluble and fibrillar fibronectin

Interactions between fibronectin and tenascin-C within the extracellular matrix provide specific environmental cues that dictate tissue structure and cell function. The major binding site for fibronectin lies within the fibronectin type III-like repeats (TNfn) of tenascin-C. Here, we systematically screened TNfn domains for their ability to bind to both soluble and fibrillar fibronectin. All TNfn domains containing the TNfn3 module interact with soluble fibronectin. However, TNfn domains bind differentially to fibrillar fibronectin. This distinct binding pattern is dictated by the fibrillar conformation of FN. TNfn1-3, but not TNfn3-5, binds to immature fibronectin fibrils, and additional TNfn domains are required for binding to mature fibrils. Multiple binding sites for distinct regions of fibronectin exist within tenascin-C. TNfn domains comprise a binding site for the N-terminal 70-kDa domain of fibronectin that is freely available and a binding site for the central binding domain of fibronectin that is cryptic in full-length tenascin-C. The 70-kDa and central binding domain regions are key for fibronectin matrix assembly; accordingly, binding of several TNfn domains to these regions inhibits fibronectin fibrillogenesis. These data highlight the complexity of protein-protein binding, the importance of protein conformation on these interactions, and the implications for the physiological assembly of complex three-dimensional matrices.

Thrombospondin 1, Fibronectin, and Vitronectin are Differentially Dependent Upon RAS, ERK1/2, and p38 for Induction of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Chemotaxis

Background: Thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1), fibronectin (Fn), and vitronectin (Vn) promote vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) chemotaxis through a variety of second messenger systems, including Ras, ERK1/2, and p38. Hypothesis: Ras, ERK1/2, and p38 differentially affect TSP-1-, Fn-, and Vn-induced VSMC chemotaxis. Methods: Bovine VSMCs were transfected with Ras N17 or treated with the following inhibitors: a farnesyl protein transferase (FPT) inhibitor, PD098059 (ERK1/2 inhibitor), or SB202190 (p38 inhibitor). Thrombospondin 1, Fn, and Vn were used as chemoattractants. Results were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc testing (P < .05). Results: Ras N17 transfection or FPT inhibitor treatment inhibited TSP-1-, Fn-, and Vn-induced chemotaxis. PD098059 or SB202190 resulted in more inhibition of VSMC migration to TSP-1 than to Fn or Vn. Conclusions: Ras appears equally relevant in the signal transduction pathways of TSP-1-, Fn-, and Vn-induced VSMC chemotaxis. Thrombospondin 1-induced migration is more dependent upon ERK1/2 and p38 than Fn- or Vn-included migration.

Chimeric fibronectin matrix mimetic as a functional growth- and migration-promoting adhesive substrate

Therapeutic protein engineering combines genetic, biochemical, and functional information to improve existing proteins or invent new protein technologies. Using these principles, we developed an approach to deliver extracellular matrix (ECM) fibronectin-specific signals to cells. Fibronectin matrix assembly is a cell-dependent process that converts the inactive, soluble form of fibronectin into biologically-active ECM fibrils. ECM fibronectin stimulates cell functions required for normal tissue regeneration, including cell growth, spreading, migration, and collagen reorganization. We have developed recombinant fibronectin fragments that mimic the effects of ECM fibronectin on cell function by coupling the cryptic heparin-binding fragment of fibronectin's first type III repeat (FNIII1H) to the integrin-binding domain (FNIII8-10). GST/III1H,8-10 supports cell adhesion and spreading and stimulates cell proliferation to a greater extent than plasma fibronectin. Deletion and site-specific mutant constructs were generated to identify the active regions in GST/III1H,8-10 and reduce construct size. A chimeric construct in which the integrin-binding, RGDS loop was inserted into the analogous site in FNIII8 (GST/III1H,8(RGD)), supported cell adhesion and migration, and enhanced cell proliferation and collagen gel contraction. GST/III1H,8(RGD) was expressed in bacteria and purified from soluble lysate fractions by affinity chromatography. Fibronectin matrix assembly is normally up-regulated in response to tissue injury. Decreased levels of ECM fibronectin are associated with non-healing wounds. Engineering fibronectin matrix mimetics that bypass the need for cell-dependent fibronectin matrix assembly in chronic wounds is a novel approach to stimulating cellular activities critical for tissue repair.

N-cadherin cell-cell adhesion complexes are regulated by fibronectin matrix assembly

Fibronectin is a principal component of the extracellular matrix. Soluble fibronectin molecules are assembled into the extracellular matrix as insoluble, fibrillar strands via a cell-dependent process. In turn, the interaction of cells with the extracellular matrix form of fibronectin stimulates cell functions critical for tissue repair. Cross-talk between cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix adhesion complexes is essential for the organization of cells into complex, functional tissue during embryonic development and tissue remodeling. Here, we demonstrate that fibronectin matrix assembly affects the organization, composition, and function of N-cadherin-based adherens junctions. Using fibronectin-null mouse embryonic myofibroblasts, we identified a novel quaternary complex composed of N-cadherin, β-catenin, tensin, and actin that exists in the absence of a fibronectin matrix. In the absence of fibronectin, homophilic N-cadherin ligation recruited both tensin and α5β1 integrins into nascent cell-cell adhesions. Initiation of fibronectin matrix assembly disrupted the association of tensin and actin with N-cadherin, released α5β1 integrins and tensin from cell-cell contacts, stimulated N-cadherin reorganization into thin cellular protrusions, and decreased N-cadherin adhesion. Fibronectin matrix assembly has been shown to recruit α5β1 integrins and tensin into fibrillar adhesions. Taken together, these studies suggest that tensin serves as a common cytoskeletal link for integrin- and cadherin-based adhesions and that the translocation of α5β1 integrins from cell-cell contacts into fibrillar adhesions during fibronectin matrix assembly is a novel mechanism by which cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesions are coordinated.

Effects of fibrin-binding oligopeptide on osteopromotion in rabbit calvarial defects

PURPOSE

Fibronectin (FN) has been shown to stimulate bone regeneration in animal models. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of bovine bone mineral coated with synthetic oligopeptides to enhance bone regeneration in rabbit calvarial defects.

METHODS

Oligopeptides including fibrin-binding sequences of FN repeats were synthesized on the basis of primary and tertiary human plasma FN structures. Peptide coated and uncoated bone minerals were implanted into 10 mm calvarial defects in New Zealand white rabbits, and the animals were sacrificed at 4 or 8 weeks after surgery. After specimens were prepared, histologic examination and histomorphometric analysis were performed.

RESULTS

At 4 weeks after surgery, the uncoated groups showed a limited amount of osteoid formation at the periphery of the defect and the oligopeptide coated groups showed more osteoid formation and new bone formation in the center of the defect as well as at the periphery. At 8 weeks, both sites showed increased new bone formation. However, the difference between the two sites had reduced.

CONCLUSIONS

Fibrin-binding synthetic oligopeptide derived from FN on deproteinized bovine bone enhanced new bone formation in rabbit calvarial defects at the early healing stage. This result suggests that these oligopeptides can be beneficial in reconstructing oral and maxillofacial deformities or in regenerating osseous bone defects.

Extracellular matrix fibronectin stimulates the self-assembly of microtissues on native collagen gels

Fibronectin is an adhesive glycoprotein that is polymerized into extracellular matrices via a tightly regulated, cell-dependent process. Here, we demonstrate that fibronectin matrix polymerization induces the self-assembly of multicellular structures in vitro, termed tissue bodies. Fibronectin-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts adherent to compliant gels of polymerized type I collagen failed to spread or proliferate. In contrast, addition of fibronectin to collagen-adherent fibronectin-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts resulted in a dose-dependent increase in cell number, and induced the formation of three-dimensional (3D) multicellular structures that remained adherent and well-spread on the native collagen substrate. An extensive fibrillar fibronectin matrix formed throughout the microtissue. Blocking fibronectin matrix polymerization inhibited both cell proliferation and microtissue formation, demonstrating the importance of fibronectin fibrillogenesis in triggering cellular self-organization. Cell proliferation, tissue body formation, and tissue body shape were dependent on both fibronectin and collagen concentrations, suggesting that the relative proportion of collagen and fibronectin fibrils polymerized into the extracellular matrix influences the extent of cell proliferation and the final shape of microtissues. These data demonstrate a novel role for cell-mediated fibronectin fibrillogenesis in the formation and vertical assembly of microtissues, and provide a novel approach for engineering complex tissue architecture.

A small fibronectin-mimicking protein from bacteria induces cell spreading and focal adhesion formation

Fibronectin, a 250-kDa eukaryotic extracellular matrix protein containing an RGD motif plays crucial roles in cell-cell communication, development, tissue homeostasis, and disease development. The highly complex fibrillar fibronectin meshwork orchestrates the functions of other extracellular matrix proteins, promoting cell adhesion, migration, and intracellular signaling. Here, we demonstrate that CagL, a 26-kDa protein of the gastric pathogen and type I carcinogen Helicobacter pylori, mimics fibronectin in various cellular functions. Like fibronectin, CagL contains a RGD motif and is located on the surface of the bacterial type IV secretion pili as previously shown. CagL binds to the integrin receptor alpha(5)beta(1) and mediates the injection of virulence factors into host target cells. We show that purified CagL alone can directly trigger intracellular signaling pathways upon contact with mammalian cells and can complement the spreading defect of fibronectin(-/-) knock-out cells in vitro. During interaction with various human and mouse cell lines, CagL mimics fibronectin in triggering cell spreading, focal adhesion formation, and activation of several tyrosine kinases in an RGD-dependent manner. Among the activated factors are the nonreceptor tyrosine kinases focal adhesion kinase and Src but also the epidermal growth factor receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor family member Her3/ErbB3. Interestingly, fibronectin activates a similar range of tyrosine kinases but not Her3/ErbB3. These findings suggest that the bacterial protein CagL not only exhibits functional mimicry with fibronectin but is also capable of activating fibronectin-independent signaling events. We thus postulate that CagL may contribute directly to H. pylori pathogenesis by promoting aberrant signaling cross-talk within host cells.

Role of protein transamidation in serotonin-induced proliferation and migration of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells

Pulmonary hypertension is characterized by elevated pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and migration. Clinical and experimental evidence suggests that serotonin (5-HT) is important in these responses. We previously demonstrated the participation of the 5-HT transporter and intracellular 5-HT (5-HTi) in the pulmonary vascular SMC-proliferative response to 5-HT. However, the mechanism underlying the intracellular actions of 5-HT is unknown. We speculated that 5-HTi activates SMC growth by post-translational transamidation of proteins via transglutaminase (TGase) activity, a process referred to as serotonylation. To test this hypothesis, serotonylation of pulmonary artery SMC proteins, and their role in 5-HT-induced proliferative and migratory responses, were assessed. 5-HT caused dose- and time-dependent increase in serotonylation of multiple proteins in both bovine and rat pulmonary artery SMCs. Inhibition of TGase with dansylcadaverin blocked this activity, as well as SMC-proliferative and migratory responses to 5-HT. Serotonylation of proteins also was blocked by 5-HT transporter inhibitors, and was enhanced by inhibition of monoamine oxidase, an enzyme known to degrade 5-HTi, indicating that 5-HTi levels regulate serotonylation. Immunoprecipitation assays and HPLC-mass spectral peptide sequencing revealed that a major protein serotonylated by TGase was fibronectin (FN). 5-HT-stimulated SMC serotonylation and proliferation were blocked by FN small interfering (si) RNA. These findings, together with previous observations that FN expression in the lung strongly correlates with the progression of pulmonary hypertension in both experimental animals and humans, suggest an important role of FN serotonylation in the pathogenesis of this disease.

Bioactive modification of poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels for tissue engineering

In this review, we explore different approaches for introducing bioactivity into poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels. Hydrogels are excellent scaffolding materials for repairing and regenerating a variety of tissues because they can provide a highly swollen three-dimensional (3D) environment similar to soft tissues. Synthetic hydrogels like PEG-based hydrogels have advantages over natural hydrogels, such as the ability for photopolymerization, adjustable mechanical properties, and easy control of scaffold architecture and chemical compositions. However, PEG hydrogels alone cannot provide an ideal environment to support cell adhesion and tissue formation due to their bio-inert nature. The natural extracellular matrix (ECM) has been an attractive model for the design and fabrication of bioactive scaffolds for tissue engineering. ECM-mimetic modification of PEG hydrogels has emerged as an important strategy to modulate specific cellular responses. To tether ECM-derived bioactive molecules (BMs) to PEG hydrogels, various strategies have been developed for the incorporation of key ECM biofunctions, such as specific cell adhesion, proteolytic degradation, and signal molecule-binding. A number of cell types have been immobilized on bioactive PEG hydrogels to provide fundamental knowledge of cell/scaffold interactions. This review addresses the recent progress in material designs and fabrication approaches leading to the development of bioactive hydrogels as tissue engineering scaffolds.

Interplay of mechanical and binding properties of Fibronectin type I

Fibronectins (FNs) are a major component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and provide important binding sites for a variety of ligands outside and on the surface of the cell. Similar to other ECM proteins, FNs are consistently subject to mechanical stress in the ECM. Therefore, it is important to study their structure and binding properties under mechanical stress and understand how their binding and mechanical properties might affect each other. Although certain FN modules have been extensively investigated, no simulation studies have been reported for the FN type I (Fn1) domains, despite their prominent role in binding of various protein modules to FN polymers in the ECM. Using equilibrium and steered molecular dynamics simulations, we have studied mechanical properties of Fn1 modules in the presence or the absence of a specific FN-binding peptide (FnBP). We have also investigated how the binding of the FnBP peptide to Fn1 might be affected by tensile force. Despite the presence of disulfide bonds within individual Fn1 modules that are presumed to prevent their extension, it is found that significant internal structural changes within individual modules are induced by the forces applied in our simulations. These internal structural changes result in significant variations in the accessibility of different residues of the Fn1 modules, which affect their exposure, and, thus, the binding properties of the Fn1 modules. Binding of the FnBP appears to reduce the flexibility of the linker region connecting individual Fn1 modules (exhibited in the form of reduced fluctuation and motion of the linker region), both with regard to bending and stretching motions, and hence stabilizes the inter-domain configuration under force. Under large tensile forces, the FnBP peptide unbinds from Fn1. The results suggest that Fn1 modules in FN polymers do contribute to the overall extension caused by force-induced stretching of the polymer in the ECM, and that binding properties of Fn1 modules can be affected by mechanically induced internal protein conformational changes in spite of the presence of disulfide bonds which were presumed to completely abolish the capacity of Fn1 modules to undergo extension in response to external forces.

Cardiomyocyte contractile status is associated with differences in fibronectin and integrin interactions

Integrins link the extracellular matrix (ECM) with the intracellular cytoskeleton and other cell adhesion-associated signaling proteins to function as mechanotransducers. However, direct quantitative measurements of the cardiomyocyte mechanical state and its relationship to the interactions between specific ECM proteins and integrins are lacking. The purpose of this study was to characterize the interactions between the ECM protein fibronectin (FN) and integrins in cardiomyocytes and to test the hypothesis that these interactions would vary during contraction and relaxation states in cardiomyocytes. Using atomic force microscopy, we quantified the unbinding force (adhesion force) and adhesion probability between integrins and FN and correlated these measurements with the contractile state as indexed by cell stiffness on freshly isolated mouse cardiomyocytes. Experiments were performed in normal physiological (control), high-K(+) (tonically contracted), or low-Ca(2+) (fully relaxed) solutions. Under control conditions, the initial peak of adhesion force between FN and myocyte alpha(3)beta(1)- and/or alpha(5)beta(1)-integrins was 39.6 +/- 1.3 pN. The binding specificity between FN and alpha(3)beta(1)- and alpha(5)beta(1)-integrins was verified by using monoclonal antibodies against alpha(3)-, alpha(5)-, alpha(3) + alpha(5)-, or beta(1)-integrin subunits, which inhibited binding by 48%, 65%, 70%, or 75%, respectively. Cytochalasin D or 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM), to disrupt the actin cytoskeleton or block myofilament function, respectively, significantly decreased the cell stiffness; however, the adhesion force and binding probability were not altered. Tonic contraction with high-K(+) solution increased total cell adhesion (1.2-fold) and cell stiffness (27.5-fold) compared with fully relaxed cells with low-Ca(2+) solution. However, it could be partially prevented by high-K(+) bath solution containing BDM, which suppresses contraction by inhibiting the actin-myosin interactions. Thus, our results demonstrate that integrin binding to FN is modulated by the contractile state of cardiac myocytes.

Emerging roles of fibronectin in thrombosis

Fibronectin (FN) is a glycoprotein recognized originally in the 1940's as a contaminant of fibrinogen in Cohn fraction I of plasma. Decades of research demonstrated FN synthesis by a variety of cells and defined FN as an essential component of the extracellular matrix with roles in embryogenesis, development, and wound healing. More recently, FN has emerged as player in platelet thrombus formation and diseases associated with thrombosis including vascular remodeling, atherosclerosis, and cardiac repair following a myocardial infarct. We discuss the mechanisms by which this might occur and conclude that FN may have a unique role in thrombosis without affecting normal hemostasis and therefore may be a reasonable therapeutic target for the prevention of thrombotic diseases.

Changes in extra cellular matrix remodelling and re-expression of fibronectin and tenascin-C splicing variants in human myocardial tissue of the right atrial auricle: implications for a targeted therapy of cardiovascular diseases using human SIP format antibodies

Cardiovascular diseases are accompanied by changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) including the re-expression of fibronectin and tenascin-C splicing variants. Using human recombinant small immunoprotein (SIP) format antibodies, a molecular targeting of these proteins is of therapeutic interest. Tissue samples of the right atrial auricle from patients with coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease were analysed by PCR based ECM gene expression profiling. Moreover, the re-expression of fibronectin and tenascin-C splicing variants was investigated by immunofluoerescence labelling. We demonstrated changes in ECM gene expression depending on histological damage or underlying cardiac disease. An increased expression of fibronectin and tenascin-C mRNA in association to histological damage and in valvular heart disease compared to coronary artery disease could be shown. There was a distinct re-expression of ED-A containing fibronectin and A1 domain containing tenascin-C detectable with human recombinant SIP format antibodies in diseased myocardium. ED-A containing fibronectin showed a clear vessel positivity. For A1 domain containing tenascin-C, there was a particular positivity in areas of interstitial and perivascular fibrosis. Right atrial myocardial tissue is a valuable model to investigate cardiac ECM remodelling. Human recombinant SIP format antibodies usable for an antibody-mediated targeted delivery of drugs might offer completely new therapeutic options in cardiac diseases.

Psoriasis and extra domain A fibronectin loops

We have previously postulated that as well as T-helper (Th) 1 and Th17 cells, the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta/fibronectin (FN)/alpha5beta1 pathway is central to psoriasis pathogenesis. EDA+ FN refers to an alternatively spliced isoform of FN with an additional domain known as extra domain A. EDA+ FN has two important properties pertinent to psoriasis lesions: it stimulates keratinocyte hyperproliferation, and, through stimulation of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, stimulates production of proinflammatory cytokines. EDA+ FN production induced by TGF-beta stimulation can be maintained in psoriasis lesions via two main feedback loops. Firstly, EDA+ FN stimulates proliferation of keratinocytes, which, in an autocrine fashion, will release more EDA+ FN. Secondly, EDA+ FN stimulates TLR4 expressed by antigen-presenting cells resulting in the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and IL-12. The resultant promotion of cutaneous inflammation results in the recruitment of Th1 cells, which also produce EDA+ FN. We propose that these 'FN loops' contribute to the maintenance and progression of psoriatic lesions. Finally, although the association between psoriasis and heart/thrombotic disease remains unclear one plausible link may be the promotion of atherosclerosis and thrombotic heart disease by EDA+ FN.